Andrew Bartnikowski and the Class 12/10/12 Foundation: Supporting Firefighter Families with Strength and Compassion

Columbus, Ohio Aug 30, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - In 2012, out of tragedy and a deep sense of responsibility to those who serve, Andrew Bartnikowski founded the Class 12/10/12 Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to supporting firefighter families affected by injury, line of duty death, or suicide. What began as a heartfelt mission has since grown into a movement of compassion, raising over $150,000 to provide essential aid, resources, and a community of strength for the families of those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.

A Foundation Born From Service

The name Class 12/10/12 Foundation carries weight and meaning. December 10, 2012 marked a turning point, the day Andrew Bartnikowski and his firefighter class graduated from training, stepping fully into the dangerous, demanding, and rewarding world of fire service. That date became more than a milestone, it became a promise.

Every time a firefighter suits up, they know the risks, Bartnikowski said. But their families carry those risks too. They live with uncertainty, and when the unthinkable happens, they are left with unimaginable loss. That is why we started this foundation, so they would never feel alone.

From the outset, Bartnikowski and his team envisioned the foundation as a resource for immediate financial assistance and long term healing. Over the past decade, the foundation has steadily expanded its reach, providing scholarships, grief counseling resources, funeral cost support, and wellness programs aimed at suicide prevention within the fire service community.

Addressing a Silent Crisis

Firefighters are celebrated as heroes, but few outside the service understand the depth of sacrifice the role demands. Beyond smoke and flames, firefighters are often first on the scene in traumatic emergencies, carrying the weight of tragedy long after the sirens fade.

Studies show that firefighters face a higher risk of suicide than the general population, with mental health struggles frequently compounded by a culture that values toughness and silence over vulnerability. For families, the impact of these invisible wounds is profound.

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The Class 12/10/12 Foundation was created to confront this reality head on. Through its programming, the foundation supports families after tragedies and also works to prevent tragedies by promoting awareness, mental health resources, and peer support initiatives.

Too many firefighter families are blindsided by the toll this profession takes, Bartnikowski explained. We cannot stop every fire, but we can give families the tools and the help they need to recover and move forward.

Over $150,000 Raised and Counting

Since its inception, the Class 12/10/12 Foundation has raised over $150,000 through community fundraising events, private donations, and corporate partnerships. Every dollar has gone toward directly impacting the lives of firefighter families.

Some of the foundations achievements include:

• Emergency Financial Assistance for families navigating sudden loss or severe injury.
  
  
• Scholarship Programs for children of fallen firefighters to continue their education.
  
  
• Wellness and Resilience Programs addressing suicide prevention and mental health stigma within fire departments.
  
  
• Community Events such as annual memorial runs, silent auctions, and firehouse family days to raise awareness and foster solidarity.
  
  

Each contribution tells a story of generosity and gratitude. Communities have rallied behind the foundation, recognizing that when they support firefighters families, they honor the sacrifices of those who run toward danger when everyone else runs away.

A Leader with a Unique Perspective

Andrew Bartnikowskis success with the Class 12/10/12 Foundation is not only rooted in his passion for service but also in his diverse professional background. Before dedicating himself fully to nonprofit leadership, Bartnikowski gained valuable experience in the skilled trades and financial services industries.

His time in the skilled trades taught him the value of discipline, teamwork, and operational problem solving, skills that are essential for firefighting and nonprofit management. Later, his career in financial services sharpened his expertise in resource management, budgeting, and strategic planning.

By combining hands on, blue collar work ethic with financial acumen, Bartnikowski has been uniquely positioned to lead a foundation that balances compassion with operational excellence. His leadership ensures that funds are not only raised effectively but also distributed responsibly, maximizing impact for the families served.

Quotes from the Community

Andrews vision for the Class 12/10/12 Foundation has given our family a lifeline, said Sarah Thompson, widow of a firefighter lost in the line of duty. It was not just the financial help. It was knowing we were not alone, that someone understood our pain and stood with us.

Firefighters take care of the community. Andrews foundation takes care of firefighters families. It is a mission we should all get behind, noted Captain Mark Rivera, a longtime supporter of the foundation.

Looking to the Future

As the foundation enters its second decade, Andrew Bartnikowski remains committed to expanding its programs and outreach. Plans are underway to grow the scholarship fund, develop regional chapters to serve more families directly, and launch a national awareness campaign on firefighter mental health.

We have accomplished so much in ten years, but there is still work to do, Bartnikowski said. Our goal is simple but profound. No firefighter family should ever feel abandoned in their time of need. We will keep fighting for them the way they fight for all of us.

Call to Action

The Class 12/10/12 Foundation invites individuals, businesses, and organizations to join in supporting firefighter families. Contributions, whether financial donations, volunteer hours, or corporate sponsorships, directly fuel the foundations mission.

Donations can be made securely through the foundation where supporters can also find information about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and success stories from families impacted by their generosity.

About the Class 12/10/12 Foundation

Founded in 2012 by firefighter Andrew Bartnikowski, the Class 12/10/12 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting firefighter families affected by injury, line of duty death, or suicide. Based on the values of service, compassion, and community, the foundation has raised over $150,000 to provide financial assistance, scholarships, counseling resources, and wellness programs for families across the nation.

For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or to learn more, please contact:

Media Contact:

Andrew Bartnikowski

614.209.0718

[email protected]

https://andrew_bartnikowski.com